NFL insider reveals why Jordan Addison was benched in 1st quarter of Vikings-Browns

Mike Moraitis

NFL insider reveals why Jordan Addison was benched in 1st quarter of Vikings-Browns image

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison was mysteriously absent during the first quarter of the Week 5 game against the Cleveland Browns.

It was unclear what was the deal with Addison, who was active on Sunday and wasn't dealing with a known injury. However, we now know what happened.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Addison did not take the field in the first quarter due to a coach's decision. He did enter the game in the second quarter, though.

"Vikings WR Jordan Addison, who did not play in the first quarter because of a coach’s decision, is now on the field," Rapoport reported.

A coach's decision would seem to suggest Addison was punished for something, but that has not been confirmed yet.

Addison was suspended for the first three games of the 2025 season due to a violation of the league's substances of abuse policy.

He returned in Week 4, though, and did so with a bang after tallying four catches for 114 yards, showing why the Vikings missed him so much.

While we don't know what Addison did to get benched, chances are we'll find out soon enough what was behind the potential punishment.

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Mike Moraitis

Mike Moraitis is a freelance writer who covers the NFL for the Sporting News. Over his nearly two decades covering sports, Mike has also worked for Bleacher Report, USA TODAY and FanSided. He hates writing in the third person.